March 2011 meeting of Star Chapter 447
The March meeting of Star Chapter 447 was called to order by Clyde Graham, President, March 1, 2011 at Cool Water Café. Walt Drane asked for prayer request and lead in our blessing of the meal and the meeting.
Clyde introduced our guest, Kevin Burnside, Hal Lagaspi, Dwight Bethany, Michael Robinson, George Mangham of CMA and Leroy Cooper of Motorcycle Safety.
Jean Grobe, Secretary, read the minutes of our February meeting. Walt moved they be accepted as read and Ray Coulter seconded.
Steve Leslie, Treasurer was introduced as the new State Director for the state of Mississippi for Star. He spoke briefly about the goals of Star for Mississippi. He then gave the Treasurer’s report. He reported that on February 15th, we presented the Mississippi Special Olympics with a check for $2500. This leaves us a balance in the bank of $1234 and $25 in petty cash for a total of $1259.00
Romona Leslie, Social Chairman, reported that Tuesday night, March 8th, we will have a couple’s night out at Cock of the Walk on the Reservoir. She reminded us that the Ladies Trip is scheduled for April 8th on the cost and we will be staying at the Island House. She asked for the ladies to let her know who will be going. She also reported that she is getting prices on the catfish meal to be served at STARbalaya.
Ray Coulter, Ride Chairman, reported on the ride we took the past weekend to Forest, MS. He also asked for suggestions for future rides. Carolyn Huckeby suggested a ride to Red Bluff. Pete Breselin reported that the Naval Air Station in Meridian is celebrating their 50th Anniversary on March 26th and 27th. Information was passed around on this event.
Clyde turned the floor over to Leroy Cooper of Motorcycle Safety who told us about a beginners class as well as an experienced riders class that is available to us.
Clyde presented to the chapter the art work for the STARbalaya shirt and pin. Jean moved to accept the art work and Ray seconded it. He also announced the hotel was open for registration.
John Murphy spoke about the collection of silent auction items. All chapter members are encouraged to solicit donations from businesses and individuals they do business with. Also, individual items crafted by members is encouraged. Pete Breslin suggested purchasing bike cleaners to auction. Ray Coulter is gathering stuffers for the registration bags.
Clyde announced the agenda for STARbalaya:
Friday morning – registration
Friday afternoon – ride to Got Gear
Friday afternoon – meal at Got Gear
Friday – Silent Auction opens
Saturday morning – Welcome and handing out of Agendas
Saturday morning – Trivia Ride (Ray is working on the logistics of the ride)
Saturday lunch – STARbalaya participants are on their own for lunch
Saturday afternoon – Bike games (Bill Dickson is working on this)
Saturday afternoon – close of silent auction
Saturday evening – Catfish dinner, band
Sunday morning – CMA members Randy and Robin Lackley will provide a short devotional and a blessing of the bikes.
Clyde reported that he had checked with Paypal to collect money for registration for STARbalaya and it will cost us 2.9% per month and .30 per transaction. Jean made the motion to accept this cost and Clyde seconded it. Steve Leslie made the motion that we raise the registration fee for STARbalaya to $20 per person or $35 per couple until 9-16. After 9-16, the cost will be $40 per couple. Walt Drane and the Grubbs seconded the motion.
Got Gear Open House is scheduled for April 2nd. We discussed what we would do in the way of a membership drive at the open house. It was suggested that we give new members recruited that day a free 447 patch for their vest and a t-shirt for as far as the t-shirts last. John Gray moved that we do so, and Julie Graham seconded. Jean Grobe and Joy Coulter will man the table.
Steve let all know that he will order any rockers for the new officers that he doesn’t have in stock.
Larry Grubbs moved that we adjourn and Ray seconded.